Guam

Our relationship with Guam

Guam is an unincorporated territory of the United States, so its political ties as well as its economic and security interests lie with the US. The relationship between New Zealand and Guam is friendly, but limited. We share common interests based on Pacific issues - we're both involved in the Pacific Island Forum, New Zealand as a member state and Guam as an observer.

At 549 square kilometres, Guam is the largest and southernmost island in the Mariana Islands. It has a population of 165,000. Guam's an important military base for the US - the largest refuelling point outside the US for all military forces. The economy relies on US military spending and a growing tourism industry (mostly from Japan).

Trade

2014 statistics

Total trade in goods

$6.8 million

Exports to Guam

$6.7 million

Top exports: fresh milk and cream, molluscs, butter and dairy spreads

Imports from Guam

$0.1 million

Top imports:dry-cleaning, ironing or dyeing machines, turbo-jets and turbo-propellers, yachts and other vessels

Trade in goods between New Zealand and Guam is modest, and prospects for growing a trading relationship is hampered because there are no direct air links between the two countries.

The expansion of US military bases and associated infrastructure and military contracts are growing Guam’s population and economy, and provide opportunities for its citizens and neighbouring islands.

Aid

In 2005 the Pacific Prevention of Domestic Violence Programme (PPDVP) was set up jointly by the New Zealand Aid Programme, New Zealand Police and the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police. This involves skilled New Zealand police delivering advice, training and operational support on domestic violence to the police forces and communities in Melanesia, Polynesia and Kiribati.

The Pacific Police Development Programme Regional (involving the Australian Federal Police) joined the PPDVP in 2013, and provides extended assistance and support to Micronesian countries including Guam.

Embassies

Recent official visits

New Zealand to Guam

August 2013: New Zealand Police held a regional training course in Guam - New Zealand Police have links to Guam’s police forces

June 2013: The New Zealand Navy frigate ‘Te Mana’ sailed to the US naval station in Guam and took part in joint activities with US counterparts - this was the first visit by a New Zealand Navy ship to a US port in 30 years

2010: John Hayes (MP) led a New Zealand Pacific Business Council trade mission to Guam